Warning : The following post contains nudity/adult content.
One of the most fun things I enjoy doing every time I’m in Tokyo is hunting for undervalued rare art books; indeed, this particular item is one of the lucky finds from my spring trip earlier this year.
This is the official catalog art book for the ‘Noriyoshi Ohrai – The Illustrator’ exhibition that was held at the Mori Art Museum in Ueno, Tokyo back in 2018.
This is why the BOOKOFF (used) bookstores in Japan are undefeated; walked into a random store in Jiyugaoka and strolled out with a mint new Ohrai Noriyoshi art book for 1200¥ ( less than $10 ) pic.twitter.com/5UX5AapMTX
— blauereiter (@blauereiter) May 11, 2025
I’ve reviewed several of the artist’s art books in the past ( see the full list here ) and many of the pieces collected in this particular catalog can be found in the other books as well, with the perhaps the notably exception of the AKIRA SOL laser piece ( see image further below ) that I believe is not found in any of the other books I’ve reviewed.
(above right & below) A stunning painting of the SOL ( Satellite Orbital Laser ) from Katsuhiro Otomo’s animated film AKIRA. There is also a beautiful layout drawing as collected in the AKIRA Layouts & Key Frames Vol 3.
I can only imagine how amazing it would have been to have actually visited this exhibition in person and to see the artist’s original pieces up close. I’m certain the relatively small reproductions found in this book can hardly do justice to Noriyoshi’s actual paintings, but it is the only silver lining we have.
Availability – Very rare; at the time of writing this post only one Amazon Japan marketplace seller lists the item. If you ever happen to chance upon a copy in a used book store in Japan, don’t hesitate if you’re fan !
“Noriyoshi Ohrai – The Illustrator Art Book 生頼範義展 図録” details :
– Dimensions – 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
– Softcover, about 125 pages
– Full color, in Japanese ( book contains mostly images )
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You might also be interested in these items :
Green Universe – Ohrai Noriyoshi Art Book Review
Ohrai Noriyoshi The Illustrator Exhibition – Ueno, Tokyo 2018.
The Last Odyssey – Ohrai Noriyoshi 1985-2015 Art Book Review
Ohrai Noriyoshi II : 1966-1984 Art Book Review
The Beauties In Myths – Ohrai Noriyoshi Art Book Review
November 22nd, 2025 at 8:55 am
I have this book and I absolutely LOVE IT. I especially like the cover artwork Ohrai did for Sakyo Komatsu’s novels, especially JAPAN SINKS and FUKKATSU NO HI. Those two books are the only ones I’ve read from Komatsu, as they are the only novels of his that were translated into English (FUKKATSU NO HI had the English title of VIRUS: THE DAY OF RESURRECTION). But the book is packed with so much great work from Ohrai; as far as I’m concerned it’s one of the best artbooks I have on my shelf.
November 25th, 2025 at 6:33 am
Marc – Oh boy, his paintings are just so amazing. I just wish the publishers would re-print more of his books so that more fans can enjoy them. Most of his art books are out of print.
April 2nd, 2026 at 12:10 am
I have the third print, there’s a few differences it seems, some images have been removed (no nico or beastmaster posters for example) whilst a few that are presented at a smaller scale here are printed larger and vice versa.
April 5th, 2026 at 9:58 am
Sukh – Interesting ! I do wish his art books are re-printed to allow for more fans to enjoy, most of them are sold out ! T___T
April 18th, 2026 at 5:47 am
Noriyoshi Ohrai is my favourite illusatror and i have all but one of his books. This book is a perfect introduction into the phenomenon that he was.
It’s a shame that no english language publisher sees fit to gain the rights for his books as he’s an artist who deserves wider recognition.
April 21st, 2026 at 3:45 pm
Joseph Elliott-Coleman – Couldn’t agree more. I also wish the Japanese publishers would re-consider reprinting all his art books, because almost all of them are out of print. Real pity.